President William Ruto has instructed the management of National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) branches nationwide to accelerate the distribution of subsidised fertiliser.
Ruto who spoke after making an unannounced visit to the NCPB Eldoret depot emphasized the critical importance of ensuring timely access to fertiliser for farmers across the country.
Responding to the raging issue about the fake fertiliser, the Head of State issued a stern warning to individuals involved.
He said those behind the illicit trade will be arrested and prosecuted.
"We will deal with fraudsters trying to undermine our food production program by selling fake fertiliser," he said.
He underscored the government's commitment to safeguarding the agricultural sector and protecting farmers from fraudulent practices.
Ruto’s visit came on a day Parliament summoned Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh and other officials from NCPB and KEPHIS over the fake fertiliser and seeds.
At the weekend, PS Ronoh announced that farmers who were supplied with the fake fertiliser would be compensated.
He said NCPB has started collecting data from those affected.
Ronoh disclosed that farmers who are yet to commence planting will have the farm input replaced noting they have since recalled the particular brand found to be substandard.
Additionally, those that have already planted using the brand will have it replaced with top dressing to help address nutrient deficiencies in the plants.
"We are engaging the farmers who were affected and we have directed NCPB to move ahead and facilitate them by capturing the data and ascertaining the information so they are assisted," he said.
"We have been able to analyse the substandard fertiliser and establish the nutrient that was missing in it."
He added that the company behind the fake input has not been paid the full amount.
